Given its formal perfection and harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity, Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval military architecture which reflects the humanist ideas of its founder, Frederick II of Hohenstaufen.
Motivated by this inspiration, UNESCO, in 1996, added the castle constructed by the Holy Roman Emperor and King of Sicily around 1240 to the prestigious World Heritage List. Positioned atop a hill 540 meters above sea level, within the Apulian plateau of the northern Murge, just 17 km from the city of Andria, Castel del Monte stands as a magnificent and commanding structure. Its impressive dimensions include a total diameter of 40 meters, featuring an octagonal plan with towering octagonal corner turrets standing at 23 meters in height.
Despite its apparent isolation and peripheral location, the castle was strategically situated not far from significant settlement nuclei of its time. Its hilltop position, visible from a distance, rendered Castel del Monte an indispensable element in the communication network within the castle system devised by Frederick II. Although many scholars discount its military function due to the absence of a moat, storm drain, and drawbridge, the castle’s significance in Frederick II’s strategic plan cannot be overstated.
The selection of the site for the castle was far from arbitrary, extending beyond mere strategic considerations. It sits atop a sun-drenched hill, bathed in sunlight throughout the day, creating a constant interplay between the castle and its environment. The sunlight, casting shadows that accentuate and delineate the monument’s shapes, contributes to the enhancement of its vibrant colors. This deliberate choice of location speaks to a profound connection with the sun, a relationship rooted not only in strategic planning but also in the medieval tradition of aligning sacred structures with the sun’s orientation.
This solar connection holds particular significance in the context of Frederick II’s reign. A passionate astronomer, he was often compared to, or even identified with, the sun itself. This sentiment is echoed in the announcement of his son Manfredi upon Frederick II’s death, describing it as the setting of the “sun of justice” and the demise of the “defender of peace”.
Hypotheses on the Purpose of the Castel
While the term “castrum” from the Swabian era typically denotes defensive structures, with potential ancillary functions, Castel del Monte presents a unique case. The inclusion of bathrooms, fireplaces, opulent finishes, and a sophisticated sculptural repertoire suggests a plausible dual role as both a residential and ceremonial space. Its elevated position and distinctive form undoubtedly captured the imagination and admiration of its subjects, embodying Frederick II’s concept of “art at the service of power”.
The octagonal design, featuring octagons aligned with the apex of the central layout, hints at a possible intention to evoke the shape of a crown. This interpretation positions Castel del Monte not merely as a fortress but as a profound statement of imperial power, a tangible monument to authority.
Given the rich symbolism embedded in Castel del Monte, hypotheses extend to the prospect of it serving as a “temple of knowledge”, a sanctuary dedicated to the pursuit of sciences. Alternatively, a recent theory proposed by Giuseppe Fallacara and Umberto Occinegro suggests a wellness center modelled after Arab Hammams. Various elements align with this theory, such as intricate water canalization systems, multiple cisterns for water conservation, early bath rooms, the overall architectural configuration, a prescribed internal route, the absence of corridors, and the distinctive octagonal shape.
The castle has frequently sparked esoteric interpretations in Italian literature and television, albeit drawing criticism from medievalists who find such perspectives misplaced. Regardless, Castel del Monte undeniably stands as a monumental architectural achievement, a synthesis of advanced mathematical, geometric, and astronomical knowledge. As aptly stated on the UNESCO website, “the site is of outstanding universal value in its formal perfection and its harmonious blending of cultural elements from northern Europe, the Muslim world and classical antiquity. Castel del Monte is a unique masterpiece of medieval architecture, reflecting the humanist ideas of its founder”.
The Symbolism Woven into Castel del Monte
Beyond being a marvel of precision in construction, Castel del Monte is a tapestry of symbolism that has captivated numerous scholars. The irregular octagon forming the basis of the complex and its elements serves as a profound geometric symbol, bridging the square, representing the earth, and the circle, symbolizing the boundless expanse of the sky. The choice of the octagon is believed by some to be inspired by the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem, observed by Frederick II during the Sixth Crusade, while others attribute it to the Palatine Chapel of Aachen.
The entire edifice is thought to be steeped in astrological symbols, with meticulous attention paid to its orientation. During solstices and equinoxes, the shadows cast by the walls take on a distinct direction. At noon on the autumn equinox, for instance, the shadows align perfectly with the length of the internal courtyard, and a month later, they encompass the entire span of the rooms. On specific dates (April 8th and October 8th), a beam of sunlight penetrates a window in the sweaty wall, illuminating a bas-relief sculpture (not there anymore). Flanking the entrance portal, two crouched lions on columns add another layer of symbolism. The right lion gazes left, while the left one looks right, aligning with the points on the horizon where the sun rises during the summer and winter solstices.
The pervasive use of the number eight further enhances the castle’s symbolism. The octagonal shape extends not only to the construction itself but also to the internal courtyard and the eight towers. The internal layout comprises eight rooms, and the internal tank was intended to be octagonal. Detailed elements, such as four-leaf clovers on the entrance portal frames, leaves on the capitals of columns, and various keystones, all carry the theme of eight. This includes sunflower leaves, acanthus leaves, and fig leaves, meticulously carved and incorporated into the keystones of different rooms on both the ground and upper floors.
Castel del Monte in Popular Culture
The distinctive silhouette of Castel del Monte has transcended its historical significance, finding a place in various facets of mass culture. The Italian state chose the iconic silhouette of Castel del Monte to grace the 1-cent coin, immortalizing the castle’s image in the everyday transactions of the nation until a few years ago. Today, the 1-cent coin is not available anymore.
The castle also assumes a prominent role in the online game Forge of Empires, where it stands as a significant structure from the late Middle Ages, offering players forge points and attack bonuses. In Matteo Garrone’s 2015 film Tale of Tales, Castel del Monte steps into the realm of fantasy as it becomes the backdrop for the imaginary palace of Altomonte. This picturesque location continued to make its mark in the cinematic world, serving as a filming location for the 2016 blockbuster Wonder Woman, where it was skillfully utilized to recreate the formidable fortress on the mythical island of Themyscira.
The influence of Castel del Monte extends into the realm of literature and cinema. The structure of the library within the convent, a pivotal setting in Umberto Eco’s renowned novel The Name of the Rose, draws inspiration from the architectural marvel of Castel del Monte. This influence was further manifested in the 1986 film adaptation directed by Jean-Jacques Annaud, where the castle’s unique features contributed to the atmospheric setting of the cinematic rendition.
The true purpose of Castel del Monte remains a mystery that continues to elude us, anyway. As eloquently expressed by Alessandro Manzoni in one of his most celebrated poems: “To posterity the arduous sentence”.
